The Prince George Cougars, in partnership with the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, have cancelled the ninth annual Prince George Cougars Alumni Hospital Charity Golf Tournament.
The cancellation of this year’s event is due to the ongoing restrictions put in place by health authorities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The golf tournament raised over $75,000 last July and since its inception, $558,000 has been raised for equipment that has primarily focused on cardiac care for residents in Northern B.C.
“The golf tournament is a highlight of the year, not just for the incredible amount of money we raise for Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, but also for our alumni, sponsors, staff, and volunteers,” said Cougars’ Vice President of Business, Andy Beesley. “It’s disappointing we have to cancel this year’s event, but we respect and support the health authorities regulations and guidelines. We’re already looking ahead to next year.”
The Cougars and the Cougars Alumni are committed to supporting fundraising efforts for the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation this year, despite the cancellation of the golf tournament.
“On behalf of the Cougars’ Alumni, I’d like to send my thoughts and support to everyone impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Cougars’ Alumni Association spokesperson, Tyler Brough. “We will continue to find ways to support the Spirit of the North this year and we look forward to coming back bigger and better than ever next summer.”
“It was a difficult decision to cancel, but the right decision in so many ways. The tournament is one of our signature fundraisers and has raised funds to purchase significant cardiac equipment through the years. We are hopeful that donors and players will still see this as a need and support the foundation where possible,” said Judy Neiser, CEO Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. “We are so very grateful for our partnership with the Cougars’ Alumni and the Prince George Cougars, along with so many who support the event annually. It truly has become the premier tournament to attend. Our hope is to continue when it is safe for everyone. Healthcare really does touch us all, and it seems even in new and different ways.”
For more information on the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, visit their website, www.spiritofthenorth.ca